ROOTSTECH 2023 ~ An overview of our week

 

It FINALLY happened.  Rootstech was live and in person again.  We waited 3 long years to be able to see our friends, give hugs and experience the magic of Rootstech in person.

Luckily for me, my long time friend, coworker and genealogy buddy attended with me.  Pam and I have now been to 3 Rootstech conferences together.  She lives in Colorado and I live in California, so we hadn’t seen one another since early March 2020. 

We both arrived on Sunday, Feb 26^th.  We like to arrive early so that we can spend quality time at the Family History Library (now renamed to the Family Search Library, but I will still refer to it as the FHL).

We hit the ground “walking” from the Plaza Hotel just around the corner to our favorite place.  There was snow everywhere and the wind made it pretty cold.  Thankfully, it’s a short walk.

We found good seats on the 3^rd floor and set up for the day.

The computer stations are awesome - 3 monitors for us to use.  I set up my laptop with Legacy running and use the library's computer to access online databases

It pays to have a plan when you visit such a huge repository as this for your genealogy research.  I had made several lists of items I would like to locate.  Things that are not available online.

We got to work, with only a short break for lunch at the newly redesigned lunchroom on the first floor. 

The staff is always friendly and helpful, but you could tell they were very happy to have the library filled with eager researchers.

This was how we spent Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday.

I made some good discoveries and will share them in an upcoming post.

On Wednesday we went to the Blue Lemon for lunch.  It’s been a tradition for bloggers to meet up at that location and catch up with one another.  Nice to see Michelle Ganus Taggert (A Southern Sleuth), Cheryl Hudson Passey (Carolina Girl Genealogy) and Laura Wilkinson Hedgecock (Treasure Chest of Memoriesa)

Bloggers at the Blue Lemon

Then on Wednesday night we attended the first ever GSI (Genealogy Solves It) dinner.  Hosted by Nathan Dylan Goodwin & Dihann Southard and assisted by Robert and others.  This was hosted at a location called Ember.  An Urban Boutique Gathering Place.

Attendees gathering for the GSI Mystery Dinner

What fun that was!  There will be a separate post about that event.

Thursday, March 2^nd was the official first day of Rootstech.  Walking over to the convention center and entering that building again was a thrill. Getting my badge was easy (back in 2018 it had been quite a nightmare).  Unfortunately, this year they did not offer attendees any additional items, like bags, discount coupons, pens etc.  Who doesn’t love to get swag?  Maybe they will offer it again next year?

On the left, walking up the stairs to the Salt Palace Convention center - middle pic shows me in my happy place and right is the view as you walk in

Things were pretty much set up as they have been in the past.  Pam was attending an early class so I wandered around a bit.

I headed straight into Expo Hall, which is my favorite place to hang out.  I was able to see and visit with friends I hadn’t seen since our last in person conference. 

The Expo was about half the size it has been in past years.  Not as many vendors or exhibits.  BUT, I expect this year was a test run, post Covid, to see how many people would be there in person. The conference is still being offered virtually as well.

Everyone I spoke to was very happy to be back live.  I have a suspicion that 2024 will be rocking and rolling and back to pre Covid size.

I’m not one to attend many classes.  The ones I do go to are always very informative and well done.

This year I attended 3 classes, two in person and one that I watched while I was at the library, since it was offered virtually.

The 3 days went by quickly and before you know it, Saturday rolled around and we were all saying our goodbyes and farewell until next year.

What are my takeaways from the conference?

PROS

·       We were able to attend in person

·       The cost was reasonable

·       There were many good classes offered – lots of education opportunities from very good presenters

·       I have always liked the Salt Palace Convention center as a venue

CONS

·       The badges were not as sturdy as years past (just a piece of paper hanging from some clips)

·       Expo Hall was not as big as years past and I really missed some of the great vendors we used to see.

·       I also missed some of our well-known presenters, who for whatever reason, were not able to attend in person.  I hope they return next year.

·       I also thought the app was not quite as user friendly or easy to read as in years past.

    If you attended in person this year, I’d love to hear what you thought. What did you enjoy? What would you like to see improved?

As for me and my friend, Pam – we plan on being back next year.

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2022   Diane Gould Hall
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

 

ROOTSTECH 2020 ~ The classes I took and scenes from the conference–See you next year

Most of you know that, like other conferences, Rootstech provides an app for your mobile devices.  It’s a great way to keep track of your schedule, your friends, what’s currently going on at the conference and provides interactive maps to help you navigate.

I can look back at My Schedule now and see which classes I attended and review my notes.

 

For me, the conference isn’t necessarily about going to as many classes as I can.  I will choose the ones of most interest to me and spend the rest of my time either in the Expo Hall or over at the Family History Library.  It’s kind of like when Ron and I cruise.  We don’t like to be wall to wall busy every day.

Here are the classes I attended.  Each one was excellent.

QUICKLY FINDING COMMON ANCESTORS THROUGH DNA – Speaker – Robert Warthan

KICKING DNA UP A NOTCH TO UNMASK UNKNOWN ANCESTORS – Speaker – Roberta Estes

THE LEEDS METHOD: GROUPING DNA MATCHES TO IDENTIFY SHARED ANCESTORS – Speaker – Dana Leeds

ATTACKING 18th and 19th CENTURY MYSTERIES WITH DNA – Speaker – Blaine Bettinger

DNA CLUSTERS: POWER IN NUMBERS – Speaker – Randy Whited

3 COOL CASES SOLVED: HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR PHOTOS – Speaker – Lisa Louise Cooke

You might be saying, “you were at the conference for 4 days and only attended 6 classes?  Yup!  And I have no regrets about that.  Why?  Because many of the classes are available via the Virtual Pass that my friend Pam and I purchased.  We will be able to watch them at home, at our leisure.  When you been doing genealogy for many years and have attended a great many classes and conferences, you find that you can pick and choose the subjects that are most important to you.  In this case, it was clear that I wanted to learn as much as I could about working with my DNA matches.  In that respect, I succeeded.

During my free time I had a lot of fun visiting with friends and exploring the Expo Hall and revisiting the FHL hoping for one more good find.

My thanks to Pat Richley-Erickson & her husband, Gordon, for inviting me to their home.  What a wonderful group of people.  We sure laughed a lot.

Here are some scenes from the conference

The Family History Library with it's new sign

In front of the Salt Palace Conference Center holding the bag we all received

Dana Leeds

They had this wonderful story wall that all of us could write on

Devon Lee of Family History Fanatics

Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings who received a Lifetime Achievement award from his "tribe" the Geneabloggers

Jonny Perl, creator of DNA Painer

Me standing next to the Mayflower replica - I've applied and am hoping to receive my official certificate of approval to the Mayflower Association in the next few months

The Expo Hall not long after it opened on Thursday - such a busy place

Pam Mohrman Paxton, Thomas MacEntee of Abundant Genealogy & me

Geoff Rasmussen from Legacy Family Tree Software and me

Marian Pierre-Louis, me and Pam

Randy Whited

Blaine Bettinger

Blaine doing what he does so well - teaching

At Pat Richley-Erickson's house - Judy Russell makes her entrance

Nathan Dylan Goodwin - author of The Forensic Genealogist and Mrs. McDougall Investigates series

Gathered in Pat & Gordon's basement 

A view from our room the morning I left.  It finally snowed.

Home sweet home - flying into San Diego with a view of the Coronado Bridge and the ocean

If you’d like to see a bunch of photos from the conference (way more than I took), please go to Roberta Estes blog Roots Tech 2020 - It's a Wrap

Until next year Rootstech – see you then.

All photos have been used with permission

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

ROOTSTECH 2020 ~ We arrive in Salt Lake City and explore at the Family History Library

Add caption

This was my second time attending the Rootstech Conference in Salt Lake City.  My friend, Pam and I went in 2018.  You can read about that experience here RootsTech Is Over But We Had Fun

To tell you the truth, after we had attended in 2018, we thought “well, we’ve done that and now we don’t need to go back.”  WRONG!  When 2019 rolled around and we weren’t at the conference we immediately regretted our decision and determined to go in 2020.

 

ARE WE EVER GLAD WE DID!

Sunday – Feb 23rd - I flew in from San Diego and arrived around noon.  Pam didn’t arrive from Colorado until later in the day.  I was able to check into our room at the Plaza Hotel and get unpacked and settled in.  FYI – I made that reservation in July 2019, to make sure we were able to stay at the Plaza.  We enjoy the convenience of the location of that hotel as well as the very friendly staff.

I had the afternoon to wander around so I went over the the FHL to check out the new layout on the first floor.  That’s the only floor open on Sundays.  It is a very interactive area and excellent for families or for someone wanting to learn about the library, Family Search and all the offerings available.

 

Pam arrived about 5 p.m. after her trolley ride from the airport.

My view on the plane and me & Pam outside Squatter's Pub

Monday – Feb 24th – Let the fun begin.  The conference doesn’t begin until Wednesday so Pam and I have two full days to research at the Family History Library.  We planned our trip so we would have the extra days at the library.  We’ve both been there before (me 3 times and Pam twice), but there is always more to find.  STAY TUNED FOR A POST ABOUT WHAT I WANTED TO LOCATE AND WHETHER I SUCCEEDED OR NOT.

In front of the Family History Library and all set up at the tables on the 3rd floor - Pam is pondering.....I wonder what about?

Tuesday – Feb 25th – Another day to spend at the FHL.  This time instead of sitting at the tables that we’ve always sat at, we were able to enjoy the new area on the 3rd floor.  WOW!

Check out this set up.  They have stations with either 2 or 3 monitors and tables that raise up and down.  So much more comfortable than just the usual tables.  We always bring our own laptops and you can see in the photo with me waving, that Pam and I were sharing the station.  We were eventually able to set up at separate stations, but it was quite a busy place, so getting to the library as soon as it opens is the key.  The upgrades are very impressive and more are on the way.

This was the day I went to the European floor of the library and made a discovery in German records for my husband’s family.  It was, according to those around me, a genealogy miracle that I even found this record.  I’ll tell you about it in my “What I Found” blog post.

A sample of one of the new stations with 3 monitors and me in my happy place 

Pam and I have a couple of favorite restaurants we like to go to.  On night one we went to Squatter’s where they have a great atmosphere, wonderful food and good service.  We Ubered over and took a Lyft back.  I had never used either of those services (yes, I know, I need to get with the times).  It was a very good experience and I was impressed.  The Blu Lemon is another favorite restaurant and they have very good food.

Oh, I forgot to tell you one more thing.  I have had an iPhone SE for 4 years.  I liked the size of my 5c and bought the SE because of that.  I've been reluctant to upgrade because I didn't want to pay the price and felt the phones were too big.  Well, for the past 6 months or more, I've been having terrible problems with the battery not staying charged.  It's irritating to say the least and could be dangerous if I was in need of assistance.  

On Wednesday, the first day of the conference my phone was going dead, yet again.  I had a break between classes and walked over to the Apple store, which I knew was in the mall nearby.  I had done my research and knew which phone I might want.  I'm SO happy that I purchased the iPhone 11.  I can't tell you how much easier it was for me to stay in touch at Rootstech and how much better this phone is.  As much as we all use technology, we do need to stay up to date.  That will teach me to upgrade sooner.  Lesson learned.

Isn't this pretty?  The phone is a lovely light teal.

So, that was the first 3 days of our week in Salt Lake City.

 

I’ll write about the conference in my next post.

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

PREPARING FOR ROOTSTECH 10 ~ THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN.....Here's What I'm Doing...

EXCITED!  That’s the word I’d use to describe how I’m feeling this week.  On Sunday, I am flying to Salt Lake City to attend Rootstech 10.  The conference doesn’t begin until Wednesday.  But, who can resist going a couple of days early to have time at the Family History Library?  I can’t.

This will be my 2nd time attending Rootstech.  I went two years ago.  Even more fun is that I’m being joined, as in 2018, by my friend, Pam, from Colorado.  Two very long time friends enjoying something their passionate about in a place that will be a alive with activity and fun.

I wrote a blog post before my last trip.  As I review what I did to prepare then, I must say, not much has changed.  I am two years further along in my research so there are families I’ll be looking for that I didn’t know about in 2018.

 

HERE ARE SOME SCENES FROM 2018 THAT REMIND ME OF THE FUN I'M ABOUT TO HAVE

(CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT)  

THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO

• Meeting face to face some of the people who have been my virtual friends for several years
• Attending some of the many classes that are offered each of the four days.  It’s very difficult to choose which ones to attend.
• Walking through and experiencing all the vendors in the exhibit hall.  I’ve heard reports there will be as many as 200 of them.
• Being able to share my passion for family research with my friend of over 30 years and helping her with her research.
• Spending time at the FHL and hoping to find some of the hidden treasures and dare I hope….break down a brick wall.
• Being around others who share my love for our ancestors and making sure they are never forgotten.

WHAT I’VE DONE TO PREPARE

• I long ago made my reservation for the conference and my hotel reservation at the Plaza.  And, of course, my plane reservation.
• Over the past several months I have been making a list of the people, places and things I want to look for.  Whether it’s microfilm or books.  I keep this list in Evernote so it is with me on all my devices.
• I do all my work on my desktop PC.  Of course I’ll need to take my laptop and I’ll be taking my iPad.  I’ve made sure that everything that’s on my desktop is also on my laptop.  All the programs I use for editing, my Legacy program etc. are all synced up.
• I’ve made new “business” cards so that I can share them with the people I meet.  My genealogy is not really a business, but it’s an easy way to share websites, email and phone numbers with others.
• I’ve downloaded the Rootstech app to all my devices.
• I’ve pre selected the classes I’d like to attend.  They are first come first serve, so I also need to be sure I have a second choice for that time slot.
• I’ve washed and packed all my clothes.  I hope I’ve chosen wisely and brought enough layers.
  I’ve secured my ride to the airport.  A huge thanks to my husband for getting up so early to take me ♥
  Now…..I just wait until Sunday for my flight and let the fun begin.

I wonder how all of you prepare your lists when you are going to visit a place like the Family History Library or some other repository?

Here’s a sample of 2 of my 6 pages of “Things to look for at the FHL.”  I know some people use Excel and I have used that method in the past as well.  But, not this year.

If you will be at Rootstech this year, please look me up.  I’d love to meet you.  You can find me on the attendee list as Diane Gould Hall.

 

Happy hunting…….and Rootstech 10 – Here I Come!!

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

SEMINARS ~ A Day with Warren Bittner at the San Diego Genealogical Society

Warren Bittner, C.G.

There are many reasons to join a genealogy society.  Attending seminars and classes ranks high on that list.  To read more about why I believe it is important to belong to and support our genealogical societies read this post SEMINARS, WEBINARS, SOCIETIES–WILL THEY HELP YOUR RESEARCH?

Yesterday I attended our annual January seminar.  The San Diego Genealogical Society has been putting on twice a year seminars for, at least, the 10 years I’ve been a member.

 

Here’s the thing about classes or seminars.  Even though you may think the subject matter is not of interest, or not pertinent to your own research, you will ALWAYS learn something of value.

This seminar was the perfect example.  The subject was all about researching in German records.  I only have ONE line that is German.  At least so far.  That would be my 7th great grandparents Johannes WUNDERLICH and Anna Barbara DENSLER.  Read more about my Wunderlich family Family History Library Trip - Day 2 - A Red Letter Day! or Surname Saturday - Wunderlich - Johannes (1700-1760) my 7th great grandfather 

Here’s what I learned and why it’s of value and can be applied to other regions of the world.

Session 1 – Meyer’s Gazetteer:  Gateway to Germany 1871-1918

• This Gazetteer lists all towns in Germany as they existed in 1910
• You can find population data, political jurisdictions, transportations and communication information and whether the towns included “dependent” villages.

Mr. Bittner explained in excellent detail how to use this information and helped us to understand the various German words.  Decipher the colons and semi colons and break down all the great information included in this resource.

Here’s a new website that can help you get started.  And…the good news, all the levels of jurisdiction are given in English https://www.meyersgaz.com

WHY WOULD THIS INFORMATION BE OF VALUE IF I DON’T HAVE GERMAN ANCESTORS?

• Because Gazetteers can be found in many countries, including the United States – we learn the value of one, we are learning the value of all of them.  Certainly an underused resource in my genealogy journey.

Session 2 – German Maps and Territories (You can’t do research without them)

• An overview of German boundary changes – And let me tell you there have been plenty.  How do they affect your research?
• Techniques to find where any village would be on a map, even the very small villages.
• How to find a Nobility Region of a town
• And, Mr. Bittner gave us a list of 10 sources for locating Maps & Territorial Histories.

Session 3 – German Marriage Laws and Customs

This was the after lunch session.  You know, that time when all of us are full and perhaps a little sleepy.  Let me tell you.  There was no sleeping during any of the sessions as Mr. Bittner kept us all intrigued and interested.I’ll condense this session as follows: 

• There were so many forces that had input into whether a couple was allowed to marry, it was incredible!  I never suspected there could be so many outside sources that would influence a couple’s right to marry.

Here are examples of some of them:

Noblemen, Parents, Church, Town or Village, Courts, Craft Guilds and Territorial States 

And a big influence was your “place” in the particular town or village.  A couple was supposed to marry within their own social class.  Weddings went on for as long as 3 days, with engagements, posting of banns, exchange of vows, feasts, a procession of the bride’s dowry, the “bedding” event (not something that was the actual consummation of the marriage), the feasts and various other traditions.

The control and restrictions of marriages went on until 1918 with the end of the second empire.  Just think.  Until just over 100 years ago, a couple could not decide for themselves to get married.

• We also learned that there are dozens of places you can find marriage records.  Not always in churches or courts. 

Another subject that was discussed was the many illegitimate births that were common place.  Is it any wonder that many of us are discovering that our DNA tests are leading us to unexpected turns in our family trees?

Session 4 – The Fisherman Who Wanted to Marry the Executioner’s Daughter

This was a true story.  The Fisherman was in a class above the Executioner’s daughter and everyone from parents to the Fisherman’s Guild, the courts and the Town Council objected to this union.  They were finally allowed to marry, but only after both attempted suicide.

Warren Bittner, our SDGS President Diane Lott and me

In closing.  If you get a chance to hear Warren Bittner, C.G. speak, I would highly recommend you attend.  Whatever subject he may be speaking about, you will find him very knowledgeable, affable and entertaining.

I have an entirely new outlook now on what may have influenced my ancestors in their journey through life.  Whether or not they were in Germany or another part of Europe, Canada or even here in the U.S. I know I can be a better researcher with this information.

I’d love to hear about the classes, seminars, conferences or webinars you’ve attended or watched that have changed or influenced your research strategies.

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

SCGS JAMBOREE 2019 ~ It was a fun time with friends and lots of learning

This is the third year that I’ve been fortunate to attend Jamboree in Burbank.  This conference is hosted by the Southern California Genealogical Society, of which I am a member.

I first went in 2016 with my friend Debby Warner Anderson.  She and I attended again in 2018.  This year, along with Debby, I invited my long time friend, Pam Mohrman Paxton to join us. She flew in from Colorado.  Now there were three of us to exchange ideas, laugh and learn.

 Each time I attend a conference I learn.  Whether I get one new piece of information from a class or a dozen new things, it’s always worth it.  This conference is well run (all by volunteers) and well attended.  They also invite many nationally known speakers.  Such as Cyndi Ingle of Cyndi's List and Thomas MacEntee of Abundant Genealogy shown below.

I cannot say enough positive things about attending these conferences.  Whether you can attend every day or only one of the days, you will always come away with new info.  Being there for the entire time allows you to network with other genealogists, meet new people, reconnect with those you haven’t seen in a while and in my case, meet a new cousin. 

Some of the classes I attended were:

WHAT ARE THE ODDS (WATO) WORKSHOP – presenter was Leah Larkin, PhD

FOLD3 – DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING – presenter Anne Mitchell

GENEALOGY PIT STOP – RESEARCH IN 15 MINUTE INCREMENTS – presenter Thomas MacEntee

MINING THE CANADIAN CENSUS – presenter Dave Obee LLD

THE CASE OF THE BROKEN LINK, DECODING THE URL – presenter Cindi Ingle

ONLINE LIBRARY CATALOGS, A GENEALOGIST’S BEST KEPT SECRET – presenter D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

BORDER-WHAT BORDER? OUR ANCESTORS WHO CALLED BOTH CANADA AND THE USA HOME – presenter Annette Lyttle, LLC

It would take me several pages to write about what I learned in these classes.  Suffice to say, I came away with new information and more knowledge than when I got there.  I’m a better researcher because of the many classes, seminars and conferences I’ve attended over the last 16 years.

Here’s some blog posts I’ve written where I’ve shared my experiences and in some gone into more detail about what I learned.

The i4GG Conference in San Diego is over for this year ~ here’s a quick take away–What a GREAT 2 days!!

ROOTSTECH PREPARATION ~ MY FIRST TIME ATTENDING
ROOTSTECH IS OVER BUT ~ We had fun……..meeting other bloggers, wandering the Expo Hall, enjoying the classes and researching at the Family History Library

TAX & ESTATE RECORDS ~ What I learned at a seminar featuring Michael Lacopo

OTHER POSTS THAY YOU MAY FIND OF INTEREST

SEMINARS, WEBINARS, SOCIETIES–WILL THEY HELP YOUR RESEARCH?

Happy hunting and I hope to see you at the next conference or seminar,
Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2019   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION